IMDb >
The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsThe Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 11 | slideshow) |
Overview
User Rating:
Contact:
View company contact information for The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner on IMDbPro.Release Date:
8 October 1962 (USA) morePlot:
A rebellious youth, sentenced to a boy's reformatory for robbing a bakery, rises through the ranks of... more | full synopsisAwards:
Won BAFTA Film Award. Another 1 win moreUser Comments:
Superb 60's drama. Every scene is Courtney's moreCast
(Credited cast)| Michael Redgrave | ... | Ruxton Towers Reformatory governor | |
| Tom Courtenay | ... | Colin Smith | |
| Avis Bunnage | ... | Mrs. Smith | |
| Alec McCowen | ... | Brown, House Master | |
| James Bolam | ... | Mike | |
| Joe Robinson | ... | Roach | |
| Dervis Ward | ... | Detective | |
| Topsy Jane | ... | Audrey | |
| Julia Foster | ... | Gladys | |
| rest of cast listed alphabetically: | |||
| Ray Austin | ... | Craig | |
| John Brooking | ... | Green | |
| John Bull | ... | Ronalds | |
| James Cairncross | ... | Mr. Jones | |
| Peter Duguid | ... | Doctor | |
| Raymond Dyer | ... | Gordon, Mrs. Smith's Boyfriend | |
| Frank Finlay | ... | Booking Office Clerk | |
| James Fox | ... | Willy Gunthorpe - Ranley School Runner | |
| William Ash Hammond | ... | Johnny Smith | |
| Peter Kriss | ... | Scott | |
| Peter Madden | ... | Mr. Smith | |
| Philip Martin | ... | Stacy, Drake House Leader | |
| Arthur Mullard | ... | Craig | |
| Christopher Parker | ... | Bill Smith | |
| Robert Percival | ... | Tory Politician | |
| Anthony Sagar | ... | Fenton | |
| John Thaw | ... | Bosworth | |
| Chris Williams | ... | Public School Boy | |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
104 minCountry:
UKLanguage:
EnglishColor:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.66 : 1 moreSound Mix:
Mono (Westrex Recording System)Certification:
Hong Kong:IIA | Finland:S | Sweden:15 | UK:12 (re-rating) (2002) | UK:15 (video rating) (1990) | UK:X (original rating)Fun Stuff
Quotes:
Colin Smith: Running's always been a big thing in our family, especially running away from the police. moreMovie Connections:
Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: Master Ninja II (#4.24)" (1992) moreFAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Johnny Got His Gun | If.... | Chariots of Fire | Forrest Gump | Mysterious Skin |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| IMDb Drama section | IMDb UK section | Add this title to MyMovies |












"Where the bloody hell have *you* been?" I'm sure this phrase appears in every black & white British 'kitchen sink' film of the time, usually asked by the exhausted mother or father of their wayward son. Colin Smith is a lad who is on the verge of becoming uncontrollable. Low-level crime and an aversion to authority make him every mother's nightmare. When his father dies and his mother takes up with a slimy fancy-man, Colin gets even worse and rebels. When he is convicted of burglary he is sent to Borstal and expected to bow down to the harsh routine, but his talent for running is spotted by the governor and he is encouraged to train for the inter-school Cup against the local 'posh' school. Will Colin do his duty? The film takes the unusual (for its time) structure of long flashbacks to Colin's home life while he is training. This is very effective and puts life into what could have been a rather dull film. There is one joyous scene in which Colin is first allowed out of the borstal gates to train - the sun is shining, we can almost smell the cool, fresh air and the soundtrack bursts into some glorious jazz trumpet. It's such an uplifting tune and so typical of its period that this film would be worth the price of the DVD just for this moment. Despite the depressing theme and grimy visuals, this film - made at the height of the 'gritty British drama' period of the 60's - is a delight.